[Cerek]

Originally posted by Nerull: I have a bit of a "is it cheese or not" question... When I first played the game, I bought the shield of cheese. However, I bought it when I could first afford it, gave it to Jaheira (to upgrade the studded leather +1 that she was using), and pretty much used it as a powerful shield throughout the game. Then, when I ran into beholders, it was like "oh yeah, I have that shield that helps with them". Would that be considered cheesy to use the thing as a regular shield (with the strength minus and all), and just benefit when you do run into beholders? Of course, I really don't buy the thing now (I use other methods to take out beholders...they can be tough if unprepared but otherwise doable once you understand their abilities).

I never worry whether somebody else thinks my tactics are cheesy or not. It's my game and the only person I have to please or satisfy is myself.

However, if you took the shield to use full time rather than buying it just to use against beholders, then I see nothing wrong with it. It's just like any other item that is specially designed to counter a specific creature type.

Are Daystar and Azuredge cheesy because they can often kill undead in one shot? I'm not sure about Azuredge, but I think most members use Daystar against other creatures besides undead once they get it because it is a good sword. The fact that it also happens to be very effective against undead is just a bonus. As far as I'm concerned, the same rule applies to the Shield of Balduran. If you're willing to equip it all the time and take the Strength penalty even when you aren't fighting beholders, then I see nothing wrong with using it when you DO run into beholders. That's your reward for taking the Strength penalty AFAIC.